Developments in nano-engineered materials have resulted in the discovery of a number of new materials which may have beneficial applications for CO2 capture. This project aims to develop and evaluate silica-based nanostructure platforms containing amine-based solid sorbents for post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. The fabrication process will allow for significantly enhanced porosity and surface area, which will allow for increased CO2 adsorption capacity. In addition, the use of inexpensive raw materials and low-cost synthetic processes will position these platforms as a competitive solid sorbent for replacement of solution-based amine scrubbing technologies used in post-combustion CO2 capture.

Project Benefits

Development of inexpensive CO2 adsorbents could solve issues associated with the operation of alkaline fuel cells. As well, the materials developed will remove CO2 from air in existing fossil-burning plants and could lead to the development of efficient CO2 capture technologies.